31 January 2012
A WLGA Spokesperson said:
“The Estyn annual report shows that the education system in Wales, as a whole is underperforming but that there signs of improvement and scope for some optimism. There are successes within the system but there are also areas of significant weakness. The Estyn annual Report is an important document and the WLGA and local government will consider the Chief Inspector’s comments carefully and will work collectively to address the issues of concern. The 22 local government Leaders have stated that education is their number one priority and they are committed to seeing standards rise and outcomes improve. They are also committed to working with their schools to improve performance standards in literacy and numeracy and to work with the Welsh Government in delivering the Minister’s “20 actions”.”
“Estyn is very positive about the work local government has been doing in education consortia and is optimistic with regard to the plans that will see 4 integrated school improvement services in place by September this year. This transformational approach to school improvement, using system leaders, professional learning communities and system wide best practice, will focus on raising standards across all schools in Wales. Local authorities are also developing a “Learning from Our Best” good practice initiative so as to take full advantage of the good practice that exists within education in Wales and that is highlighted by Estyn. A considerable amount of support for schools is already in place with the further development of the education consortia representing a step-change in support for schools.”
For more information contact: Lucy Sweet
